Chương 19: Chapter 17: Manipulation and Hubris
"Hubris", he thought as his eyes locked with the spirit fox. "Dangerous hubris."
"What is?" A pointed question, Caitlyn's gaze refusing to waver from Orion.
"Ah-" Orion faltered, too late to take it back. His posture stiffened up as he paused. Caitlyn pushed forward, as if she's caught on to something, "Well?"
"Well..." Orion racked his brains for a response, "Spirit foxes are a symbolic creature in Ionia, right?"
Caitlyn frowned, her focus returning to the creature as the question sinks in. Orion continues speedily. "Wouldn't Ionians be offended?" A growing concern crossed her face, her previously relaxed posture stiffened.
"It could damage relations with Piltover..." She acknowledged, her tone measured. "If it's true, then yes- this is bad." Slowly, her gaze returns to Orion, "But how do you know this?"
"Ah, fuck." Orion cursed inwardly, grasping for more straws. Another lingering pause before he speaks again, "Ionian ships come from the east through the canal. The authorities check their papers, and sometimes... we hear stories."
Orion glanced back at Caitlyn, who seemed lost in thought. "It sounded convincing." he thought, though a tight feeling clutched at his chest. She abruptly turned to him, her gaze piercing.
"What's your name? If what you're telling me is the truth, I want you to come with me. We need to tell my mother."
"Ah- Orion. Can we see the garden first?" Orion twisted, his eyes scanning the area, searching for the Red Blossom flowers. "Are you an idiot? Trouble could be brewing, and you want to stop and smell flowers?" Caitlyn's expression changed to that of disappointment as she shook her head.
"What can I say? My head's in the flowers." Orion joked weakly, forcing a smile. He couldn't leave yet, Orion hadn't located his objective. Desperate, he changed his approach. "Besides, I'm a Sump rat. I probably won't be able to see this place again."
Orion waited for a response, watching Caitlyn's expression soften to pity. He felt a twinge of guilt for playing that card, but he came here with a purpose. Caitlyn glanced down for a moment, her hands fidgeting in front as she hesitated.
Finally, she looked back to the fox and murmured, "I forgot again where you're from...Forget what I said for now." The fox cooed softly, stretching its front paws. It moved across the enclosure with floating grace before stopping in front of the glass. Its piercing, glowing green eyes continued to reach out toward the duo with curiosity- and a plea.
Orion felt a pang of pity, but didn't close the gap. He felt unsettled, and feared, being a magical creature, what might happen if he did. Unsatisfied but wary, Orion returned his attention to Caitlyn whose gaze showed sadness and a yearning desire to help.
"Let's keep it quick." he said softly, hoping to ease her mind. His words felt hollow though as Caitlyn slowly turned, her gaze downcast, and her inner turmoil evident.
Together, they finished exploring the menagerie with small talk before stepping into the botanical garden. Like many, its windows stretched from the floor to the ceiling, bathing the environment in natural light. Beautiful displays of flora lined every window and path, and a light blue pollen floated in the air, giving it an ethereal quality.
Caitlyn was captivated in the beauty, her eyes wide as she took in the view, bending over to inspect the intricate details of plants. "Beautiful," she murmured, lost in the moment.
Orion, however, had little time for admiration. His eyes locked onto the objective at the center of the garden.
A large bush adorned with crimson flowers, each petal seemed to shimmer along the edges, reflecting the light with a golden sheen. It let out a sweet intoxicating aroma, alluring to the senses as he approached. The plaque, however, read like a curse with Caitlyn nearby. "Red Blossom Flowers - From Ionia, these-"
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"Why is there a rat in my home?" Caitlyn's mother asked with disdain, her sharp tone cutting through the room as she loomed over Orion. Her intimidating presence towered above him as he stood in the center of a lavishly decorated living room. The walls and furniture displayed the family colors of royal blue, white, and gold. Opposite Caitlyn, her father sat on the couch, his gaze unreadable. The fireplace crackled softly, acting as the only source of light, dancing off some of the golden trim.
"Orion's not a rat!" Caitlyn protested, surprising Orion with her fervor. "I met him at the menagerie!"
"That still doesn't explain him rutting about my home," her mother states coldly, covering her nose with an elegant handkerchief. "Even gilded walls can't keep out the filth, it seems."
Orion sighed, prompting her mother to arch an eyebrow, and he internally thought, "This is going to be a long night."
"He has information regarding Count Mei's Menagerie. I thought you should hear it," Caitlyn reasoned from the couch, gesturing toward Orion with an open hand. Her mother's tone remained icy, "Really? My name is Cassandra Kiramman. Orion, was it?" She lowered her handkerchief, eying his garb dismissively before demanding, "Tell me what my daughter believes is so important."
Some time flew by as Orion retold what he told Caitlyn, choosing his words carefully. He concluded with what he felt held would hold the most impact, "They could stop trade with Piltover."
A tense silence settled over the room. The disdain in Cassandra's eyes shifted to something more calculating as she studied Orion. Caitlyn shifted uncomfortably on the sofa, glancing nervously between them.
"You have quite a good mind," Cassandra said at last, her tone laced with reluctant approval. Caitlyn relaxed slightly and straightened her posture again with a faint smile crossing her face. Her mother continued, "This information will take time to verify. You will stay here tonight as compensation. Tomorrow, after we've thoroughly investigated and addressed the matter, you will leave."
Cassandra turned her back to Orion, ending the conversation with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Clean him up and escort him to a guest room on the first floor. Leave us." It was clear she wanted a private word with her daughter, who now wore a look of discontent.
"This is working out well," Orion thought, as he turned to the servants, their heads bowed slightly.
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